Script Doctoring - Professional Techniques for Video Game Writing - page 167

the best game possible under the constraints of time, resources, and technology. The
only way that goal is achievable is if everyone is pulling in at least roughly the same
direction. That means that the game comes first, not the writing. The writing is an
element in making a good game, one of many. It's an important element, but it's
still just one piece of the puzzle. Trying to prioritize your tasks over the rest of the
team's, when in many cases team members are waiting on your deliverables, has the
potential to derail the development process significantly.
Don't be a jerk. This one should be self-explanatory. As in any professional sit-
uation, when you join an established team, you have a professional obligation to
integrate yourself with that team so that everyone feels comfortable working with
you. For one thing, it's the right thing to do. For another, it helps the project. A
prima donna script doctor is going to make it that much harder for everyone else to
get their work done. If you slow the rest of the team down, it doesn't matter how
good your dialog is, you're hurting the project. That's precisely the opposite of why
you're there, after all, and thus is a circumstance best avoided.
And if that weren't enough reason to leave the jerk juice at home, there's the
simple matter of self-preservation. If you're disrespectful, rude, and no fun to work
with, the team won't want to work with you—and there's a lot more of them than
there are of you. So, it's in everyone's interests—the project's, the team's, and yours—
for you to approach the team as well as the project with respect and good
manners.

The Script Doctoring Secrets of the Hidden Masters
• Do not expect perfection. If you do, you will be disappointed.

- Do the best job that you can, but recognize that you are working under
constraints. Art is the enemy of deadlines. You will need to balance your
creative skill and perfectionist intent with the need to get things done,
or you won't get things done.
- Some stuff, you just can't fix. Learn to live with this, or you'll drive
yourself crazy.

•

Chop your deliverables up into discrete chunks—and do them.

- It's easier to get something smaller done.
- It's tangible progress, so you'll feel better along the way.
- You have something to hand off relatively quickly for feedback.

•

Solicit feedback on one chunk while you're working on the next one.

- This lets you know early if you're on the right track.
- It gives the people watching you something to do.